Chris Chester has revealed that a Castleford Tigers full-back has suffered a setback as he looks to return from injury.
Fletcher Rooney has made just one Super League appearance in 2026, with that being in the club’s round two defeat away at Toulouse Olympique.
In March, he was initially ruled out for three months, with the youngster needing surgery. In June, an update revealed that he was still three to four weeks away from returning.
Having finally got back to near full fitness, Rooney has suffered yet another blow, and after originally being named in the Tigers’ squad to take on Hull KR last week, needed to pull out at the last minute.
“He’s had a setback unfortunately,” Chester confirmed to the press this week. “It’s just so frustrating for the kid, he was due to play last week, and we had to pull him out in the team run.
“His hamstring tightened up, so we’ll work with him. He’s been with the physios this last week, and we’ll ramp his training up next week, with a view to him hopefully being involved the following week against Saints or down here against Catalans in the centenary game.
“The kid’s frustrated, and he needs a little bit of luck. He’s had some real issues with those hamstrings the last couple of years. He’s due some luck, but he’s not available for selection this week.”
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With the squad down to the “bare bones”, Chester hasn’t ruled out any incomings before next week’s transfer deadline. Conversations will take place this weekend to see whether any loan moves are available as we head into the final stage of the year.
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Castleford Tigers Director explains conversations with ‘booed’ players
In what was a strange evening last Friday night at Wheldon Road, when Castleford were thumped 44-0 by Hull KR, some players were berated and jeered by a section of Castleford’s fans, with some players being targeted from their first carry of the ball onwards.
It was a tough night for all involved, none more so than those individuals, who Chester revealed he had to 2put an arm” around post-match.
He said: “I’ve spoken to them. I’ve spoken to them individually. We’re only talking about a small minority [of fans], but you just can’t let those guys win.
“We know that we’ve got a good group of players here. We know where we are, and I spoke to those individuals, and every one of those individuals wants to put their hand up on Friday night.
“I’ve had to put an arm around them. They’ve responded really well. It’s up to them now to perform on Friday.”
In terms of changes to this week’s 17 compared to last week’s, Chester explained how there will be a few differences compared to last week, particularly in the middle unit as he tries to rotate as much as he can.
Castleford Tigers youngster’s debut chances revealed
One of three swaps to this week’s 21-man squad saw the inclusion of young outside back Daniel Sarbah, who could make his first-team debut if selected.
Chester revealed that the 19-year-old is “pretty close” to a maiden Super League appearance, saying: “Daniel’s been great this year. He’s had a couple of loan games. He’s been out on loan. He’s played well in the reserves.
“I’m fairly hopeful that he’ll get a game, whether that’s Friday night or over the next three weeks. I’m fairly hopeful that he’ll get an opportunity at some point.
“The kid’s ready. I look forward to seeing him in a Cas jersey.”
One man who has been absent from the 21-man squad for a number of weeks is Joe Westerman, who hasn’t been seen since he was forced to take an extended lay-off due to multiple HIA failures.
On the veteran, Chester confirmed: “Joe is still not right. He’s still out of the squad. He’s just one of a number of players that are stood down through injury.
“It’s difficult at the minute, we are down to the bare bones, but you’ve just got to crack on with it.
“Nobody is whinging and moaning about it, it’s a squad game, and we’re probably going to need to lean on some of these younger players over the next couple of weeks.”
